Tyriq Withers, a rising star in the entertainment industry, credits much of his success to the unwavering support of his mother, Kimberly Hart-Johnson. Growing up in Jacksonville, Florida, Tyriq was raised alongside his older brother, Kionte, after their parents, Kimberly and Leon Withers, separated shortly after his birth in July 1998. His childhood was shaped by a mix of artistic influences and athletic pursuits, largely encouraged by his mother.
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Kimberly, who welcomed her first son Kionte in January 1995, fostered both Tyriq’s athletic and artistic ambitions. As a child, Tyriq often created home videos, a passion that blossomed into a serious pursuit when Kimberly took notice of his talents. She regularly accompanied him to casting calls and encouraged his burgeoning interest in acting, while also supporting his dedication to sports. According to an interview on Moviefone, Tyriq revealed that his motivation for sports was deeply rooted in familial love, stating, “Who I was doing it for was my mum.”
After completing his education, Tyriq enrolled at Florida State University, where he became a walk-on player for the Seminoles football team. However, his heart was drawn more towards acting than athletics. Reflecting on his transition, he said, “I had to come to terms with ‘Who am I doing it for?’ I didn’t enjoy it like I thought I did. I was just trying to make my mum proud.” He eventually made the pivotal decision to move to Atlanta in 2020 to chase his acting dreams, a choice that proved fruitful when he landed a significant role on Donald Glover’s critically acclaimed series, *Atlanta*.
In his often candid discussions about identity, Tyriq has shared insights about his heritage, being the son of a Black father and a White mother. On the *Higher Learning* podcast, he articulated how these backgrounds influenced his perspective. He disclosed, “I grew up in the Black experience, so I identify as a Black man… I walk through the world with privilege.” These reflections resonate deeply within his artistic choices and themes.
Tyriq’s relationship with his father, Leon, described as challenging during his upbringing, has reportedly improved over the years. Speaking publicly in January 2026, Tyriq reflected on their past saying that while Leon was present in his life, their relationship was complex. However, Leon now shares supportive messages on social media, highlighting the bond forged through Tyriq’s rising success in acting.
Tragedy struck the family in April 2021 with the untimely death of Kionte in a car accident at the age of 26. Tyriq revealed that this loss almost caused him to reconsider his career path and return home to support his brother’s fiancée and son. Ultimately, he chose to continue pursuing his dreams in honour of Kionte, seeking inspiration in his scripts to keep his brother’s memory alive. Reflecting on that bond, Tyriq remarked, “When you have an older brother, that’s your first bully, your first superhero…he teaches you how to do everything.”
Both Kimberly and Leon have been vocal in their desire to honour Kionte’s memory. Kimberly recently shared a poignant tribute on social media, expressing her enduring love and sorrow for her son. “Not a day goes by that I don’t talk to you or tell you how much I love you,” she wrote, as she continues to carry her son’s spirit in her heart.
As Tyriq continues to forge his path in the entertainment industry, he enjoys the steadfast support of his parents. Both Kimberly and Leon make a point of celebrating his achievements, from attending red carpet events to sharing heartfelt messages on social media. For instance, Leon wished Tyriq a happy birthday in July 2025, urging him to be a positive influence and a force for change, while Kimberly publicly expressed her pride in her son’s accomplishments as he promoted his latest film, *Reminders of Him*.
The bond that Tyriq shares with his family, along with the challenges he has overcome, shapes not only his identity but also informs his artistic expressions. As he continues to perform and grow in his career, one can expect that the lessons from his past will resonate through his future endeavours. In an industry celebrated for its diversity and complexity, Tyriq Withers stands as an inspiring testament to the strength of familial love and personal resilience.